Serbia cooperates with CERN to accelerate scientific research process

bybayanihanonMarch 29, 2012

BELGRADE, March 29 — The director general of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Rolf-Deiter Heuer met with Serbian President Boris Tadic here on Wednesday to discuss the scientific benefits of Serbia's membership, reported Radio Television Serbia (RTS).

Serbia can accelerate its research processes, which in turn, provides an opportunity for economic development by joining CERN, Tadic said.

In January, Tadic and Heuer in Geneva signed an agreement for Serbia to become an associate member of the organization.

Serbia's Associate Membership in CERN would be significant for the country's scientists, universities and research institutes, Tadic added.

After a visit to the Faculty of Physics at the University of Belgrade, Heuer said "we currently cooperate with 15 scientists from Serbia, and I believe that soon there will be more."

"Serbia has very quickly ratified the agreement in which it becomes an associate member of CERN, which has opened up even more opportunity for cooperation," said Heuer, "I believe scientists are great potential for Serbia."

Serbian Minister of Education Zarko Obradovic, who accompanied Heuer to the Faculty of Physics in Belgrade, said despite the lack of modern equipment, Serbian scientists could contribute to CERN research efforts.

He added the cooperation would not be limited exclusively to physicists, as practical applications of scientific research would also be sought.

"We'll make an appointment and we will see if entrepreneurs can get involved. There is a possibility that the research at CERN can be used in medicine," said Obradovic.

Based near Geneva, CERN is one of the world's largest scientific research centers investigating the fundamental particles of matter. By studying these particles, physicists learn about the laws of Nature. CERN was one of Europe's first joint ventures and has 20 member states. (PNA/Xinhua) DCT/ebp